Arbuckle offers small-town charm on the Interstate 5 corridor
Arbuckle began as a railroad town in the late 1875, now hosting a population of around 3,500. “It’s a small, quiet community and everyone’s very friendly,” says Carmelita Medina-Silva, a real estate agent at Keller Williams who specializes in Sutter and Colusa Counties. “They have car shows and cookouts. It’s got a very small-town atmosphere.” Located on Interstate 5, commuters have a direct route to towns like Woodland, with comparatively lower housing costs and a small downtown area with local businesses. There are also opportunities for acreage and agricultural properties around the surrounding area.
A wide variety of lot sizes are available
Housing inventory in Arbuckle mostly includes early- to mid-20th century ranch-style homes and cottages, many on quarter- and half-acre lots. Older areas on the community’s east side have wide, sidewalk-less streets laid out in a grid with back alleyways. Some early 2000s Spanish Revival-style bungalows were added in the early 2000s around the town’s west side, featuring stucco exteriors, barrel-tile roofs and well-maintained sidewalks. Acreage increases as locals move outward from the community center. In the countryside, parcels range from 5 to 20 acres, often housing orchards or small hobby farms. Home prices across the board range from $400,000 to $800,000 for three- and four-bedroom floor plans. Undeveloped lots in the countryside typically sell for between $170,000 and $250,000 for around 10 acres. Environmental risks are relatively low in this area. “Arbuckle isn’t in a fire hazard area,” Medina-Silva says. “Some homes may be in a flood risk area, but if they are, it's very low risk. Taxes and water rates are low, too.” The risk of flooding is slightly higher on the community’s west side during heavy rainfall, and some mortgage lenders may require flood insurance.
Community parks, pool and a nearby golf club
Balfour Park is the main gathering space in the area, offering playgrounds and athletic fields that host youth sports leagues. Once a month from April to September, Balfour Park hosts a free movie night for local families, and attendees are encouraged to bring snacks and blankets. Pierce Pool is a popular spot to cool off during the intense summer heat waves. There are also a few smaller green spaces like LaVanche Hursh Park, which has a picnic shelter and a memorial honoring local veterans. Arbuckle Golf Club, about 5 miles west of the community center, has an 18-hole course open to the public.
Local restaurants are located downtown
Arbuckle has a small Main Street-style downtown district on 5th Street, home to a few small bars and boutiques. El Jaliscience Mexican Grill is a small, locally owned café serving authentic Mexican food, while Mariscos El Capi specializes in seafood and specialty cocktails. Retail options include Arbuckle Food Center, Ace Hardware and Dollar General. For larger chains, locals drive to surrounding towns.
Annual community events are held at LaVanche Hursh Community Park
Every year on the first Sunday in October, the Arbuckle Parks and Recreation District hosts a Pumpkin Festival downtown at LaVanche Hursh Community Park. Attendees can shop for their perfect locally grown pumpkin while local kids play games and do crafts. The Downtown Arbuckle Car Show is held on the last Sunday in October, featuring over 300 vehicles and a BBQ lunch.
Connected to nearby towns by the interstate
Arbuckle is located on Interstate 5, which connects to Sacramento less than 50 miles away. Other nearby towns include Williams, a little over 10 miles away, and Woodland, about 30 miles away. Colusa County Transit serves the community with fixed intercity routes. However, it uses a dial-a-ride system that requires residents to call the office and schedule their ride in advance. Adventist Health and Rideout Hospital is the nearest major medical center, about 35 miles away in Yuba City. The Sacramento International Airport is about 40 miles away.
Local schools score in the B range
Arbuckle Elementary and Lloyd G. Johnson Middle both earn a B-minus from Niche. The B-rated Pierce High has seasonal athletic programs, including baseball and golf in the spring, along with basketball, soccer and wrestling in the winter.
